< PreviousIt’s no secret that the data centre industry has a significant environmental impact. In response to ever-increasing demand from end-users and content providers, the world’s data centres use more than 400 terawatts of energy every year - more than Britain’s total electricity consumption. Indeed, at three percent of the global electricity supply and accounting for about two percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, data centres have a large carbon footprint. On the surface, the issue looks set to get worse. The reliance on data centres is only going to grow as internet penetration rates increase across the world in locations where internet freedom is only just becoming widespread. Furthermore, the launch of 5G, the new wave of IoT devices and a thriving cryptocurrency scene will only compound the problem. As more devices become connected, more data will need to be processed than ever before. The impetus to “green” this energy-intensive industry is also significant. The EU Commission says the industry "should become climate neutral by 2030,” and customers are expecting real change too, encouraging businesses to ask their providers for evidence of robust sustainability and carbon reduction measures. So how can the data centre industry square this circle? How can providers meet environmental targets while maintaining service and delivering on customer needs? The renewable energy boom Using sustainable energy is something all industries should be focused on and data centres can help the wider adoption of renewable energy sources due to their stable power consumption, something which can be well-matched to eco-energy projects such as hydro, wind and solar. This move to renewable energy is already happening apace. Late 2019 saw renewables surpass fossils fuels as the largest generation source of UK energy for the first time. Global supplies from solar and hydro are on track to surpass supplies of gas, oil and coal-fired stations, and falling prices through technology improvement and scale means that it’s now more affordable than ever to harness renewable energy sources. A good example of renewable energy at work is a campus on the southwestern tip of Iceland, which runs almost entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power. The owners claim theirs to be the world's first carbon-neutral data centre, and its customers are suitably impressed. BMW has already moved a large portion of its German clusters to the campus, and more organisations look set to follow. A focus on cooling For a data centre to function, it needs to maintain a temperature-controlled environment around the clock. According to studies, around 40 per cent of the total energy that data centres consume goes to cooling IT equipment. This percentage can be reduced by locating in a country with a naturally cold climate, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Migrating eight million data centres to Siberia is an unrealistic goal, but the industry is constantly innovating, and is fast developing ways to keep equipment cool without a damaging environmental impact. For example, a Frankfurt data centre has reduced its water consumption through an on-site reverse osmosis water treatment plant, and harvested rainwater to feed the plants that cover the exterior walls and roof. Outside air is used for cooling more than 60 per cent of the time in this innovative design. A holistic approach The most savvy providers are focusing on delivering a “cradle to grave” green strategy, where environmental ambitions are built into every step of data centre construction and maintenance. When it comes to the first step – building facilities – BREEAM standards look at the green credentials of commercial buildings, verifying their performance and comparing them against sustainability benchmarks. Once a building is up and running there are plenty of ongoing concerns to address. Smart providers use highly efficient UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems, for example, which have the ability to hibernate parts of the system when they’re not being used - minimising unnecessary power use and reducing costs. Recycling of waste is crucial too. Last year we recycled 94 per cent of waste across our business, again reducing the environmental impact. The best providers don’t just look at running the site, but adjunct areas too, like how staff are getting to and from a campus, optimising the use of public transport and installing charging points for electric vehicles. When it comes to green credentials it’s true that everything counts. That’s perhaps why some experts talk about “shades of green” - mooting the idea that not all things sustainable are the same. Some are greener than others, despite all claiming green-credentials. For example, burning biomass is carbon neutral, but not as sustainable as using wind, solar and tidal power. It is evident that data centre providers are already taking many positive steps to reduce their environmental impact. But it’s not just the planet that will benefit if the industry meets its “carbon zero by 2030” target. Although requiring initial investment, green data centres will ultimately be more cost efficient - and will be future proof - built to withstand changes to the industry and the demands placed on providers. At the same time, data centres must marry sustainability with performance, ensuring that they are embracing moves like renewable energy procurement whilst still maintaining security of supply, service uptime and customer satisfaction. n All of the energy consumed at VIRTUS Data Centres is from 100 percent renewable sources thanks to the partnership with Bryt energy, which harnesses power from wind, solar and tidal sources. At VIRTUS Data Centres we are focused on keeping equipment cool and keeping energy consumption and costs as low as possible. At all of our water cooled locations, banks of chillers are equipped with “free-cooling” functionality to benefit from the UK climate and increase efficiency. We also reuse the captured waste heat to heat other areas of the building. How a power-hungry industry can meet its environmental commitments greening the data centre www.networkseuropemagazine.com 40Greening the data centre David Watkins Solutions Director VIRTUS Data Centres greening the data centre www.networkseuropemagazine.com 41Significant savings with the latest in LED lighting Graeme Shaw Technical Application Manager Zumbotel Group LED lighting www.networkseuropemagazine.com 42LED lighting has an extremely long life, low carbon emissions and excellent light quality yet, despite all of these positives, data centres have traditionally been slow to adopt it, perhaps because it is estimated that lighting only comprises 3-5 per cent of a facility’s energy load. Lighting may be only a small portion of energy use within data centres but it can have a significant impact on minimising costs and energy used. This is addressed by a combination of increasingly innovative solutions and fast return on investment (ROI) meaning that owners and managers are making the switch to LED and lighting control as a way to contribute to a lower Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating. Best practice A best practice design comprising of LED lighting technology, an intelligent lighting control system and a central power system (CPS) to support a dedicated emergency lighting system will have a positive impact on energy usage. In addition, it will reduce associated manual maintenance costs whilst creating a safer, more flexible lighting solution that can be quickly and easily adapted to suit changing requirements. In addition to LED panels, tubes, battens and high bay lighting, leading LED lighting manufacturers are able to offer continuous row solutions that are tested and approved to perform within higher ambient temperatures. This not only lowers the running costs of a lighting scheme when compared to traditional compact fluorescent lighting technology, but also reduces the operating costs of a cooling strategy, which plays an important role in achieving a low PUE rating. It is, however, important to remember that lighting must be specific to the aisle layout, so enough light is available on the vertical at each rack. Lights out We are some way from creating truly ‘lights-out’ data centres, so providing area specific lighting precisely when and where it is needed is an important design consideration. All too often lights are turned on manually across a large space when an operative might only need to work in one small section of a data centre. To compound the issue, lights often remain on long after a technician has left a facility, simply because they thought someone else might still be in the building. Site specific This type of scenario is exactly why the introduction of innovative lighting control can prove beneficial. As additional energy savings of at least another 10 per cent can be experienced when LED luminaires are integrated with sensors to manage when and where lighting is used, lighting control should be the rule rather than the exception. A site specific lighting control system that utilises the well-established DALI protocol enables each area to be autonomous. This further reduces operational expenditure by allowing lighting to be integrated into a building management system (BMS), with the benefit of off-site monitoring. Just as importantly, this level of integration and engagement allows an end user to actively prevent issues before they lead to downtime. Self contained For safety, it is advisable to have a dedicated, addressable emergency lighting system that allows for full automation of testing – excluding an annual duration test. Cutting edge technology can automatically report the status of an emergency lighting system. As the batteries have a 10 year life expectancy, the potential for human error is reduced and the costs associated with routine maintenance are lowered. Utilising a remote CPS/eBox based system also facilitates the support of higher ambient temperatures, as there is no need for a local battery supply to the emergency lighting, while a self- contained system can be easily extended with additional luminaires as required. In order to achieve the most appropriate, reliable and sustainable lighting infrastructure within a data centre, it is advisable to engage with a solutions provider that can fully integrate all of the various elements outlined above. The pitfalls of a poor quality system can be significant and lead to premature product failure and the associated replacement and maintenance costs, so spending extra time at the specification stage and working with experts will lead to fewer issues in the long-term. n Significant savings with the latest in LED lighting Lighting may only consume a fraction of the energy used in data centres but its impact and cost savings go far beyond lighting costs. In addition to saving energy, money and maintenance efforts, LEDs can offer data centres a simple solution that maximises safety and efficiency for staff. Graeme Shaw explains the benefits of LED lighting in a data centre and the key specification considerations. LED lighting www.networkseuropemagazine.com 43Increasingly, integrated pools of computers, storage and networking resources are shared across multiple applications using policy-driven processes. By pre- integrating technology components, merging IT resources and automating IT processes, huge efficiency advantages and lower costs can be realised. IoT (Internet of Things) with built-in intelligence and increasing AI integration is rapidly changing Building Automation Systems, helping save energy, increase sustainability, reduce the chance of human error, and enable faster response times and easy customisation. Sensors ensure optimal use of heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation systems. With IoT, highly granular building data from previously separate systems can easily be collected and compared. Advanced analytics and reporting are making buildings more manageable, flexible and future-ready, whilst ensuring ongoing improvement. ‘All over IP’: ready for the future As a result, we are currently seeing growing demand for Smart Building infrastructure that allows a wide range of functionalities to be managed and monitored over converged networks. These also need to be capable of powering large numbers of remote devices. To accommodate these demands, Smart Building and Smart City infrastructure is increasingly converging onto IP networks. IP provides a convenient solution to one of the key challenges in designing an IoT system: finding a way of efficiently connecting large numbers of sensors and devices. Today, IP is increasingly replacing previously separate systems, transporting data along with power, lighting, security and more. IP-based convergence enables the sharing of (virtualised) resources across applications and provides high levels of standardisation, availability, reliability and support for new deployments. Another key benefit of ‘All IP’ networks is the improved safety. Unlike conventional field bus systems, IP has built in safety features for authentication and access control. In an ‘All over IP’ network, building management and technology-related devices communicate over Ethernet/Internet Protocol (Ethernet/IP) with the building LAN (Local Area Network) providing the physical communication layer as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is an essential driver for the uptake of IP convergence as it reduces the need for separate power cabling. Individual PoE-powered LED lighting fixtures can be controlled via their own IP address, for example. IP devices and networks speak the same language ‘end to end’. That means no ‘translation’ is required between sensors, end devices, servers, cabling and operating systems. Conveniently, devices and systems that work with Ethernet/IP technology are comparatively inexpensive. Often, ‘off the shelf’ devices can be used to digitally connect and control buildings. Introducing smart, converged networks also means new energy-conserving technologies and applications can be introduced, such as intelligent management of building space and resources. Because there is no theoretical limit to the number of devices that can be addressed, networks can be scaled up (or down) whenever required with relative ease, and devices can be added without affecting network performance or reliability. The current Internet Protocol version (IPv6) can theoretically allocate some 1,500 IP addresses per square meter. Access controls and authentication measures incorporated in IP improve building automation security - essential when dealing with such a large volume of (additional) connected devices. Going ‘All over IP’ also helps improve reliability, partly because the star topology reduces the number of connection points, but also as a result of the high level of standardisation. Troubleshooting and resolving problems also becomes faster and easier. What’s more, new applications can be developed quickly and easily thanks to the availability of data from different components. Administrators can integrate these with just a mouse click. Higher density and easy installation with SPE Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) based on xBASE-T1 uses a single twisted pair for data transmission and features Matthias Gerber Market Manager Office Cabling Reichle & De Massari Not all that long ago, systems used for different network-based services in buildings would employ a wide variety of protocols and cabling types, often from different manufacturers. Today, however, organisations are increasingly relying on converged infrastructure to consolidate systems, centralise IT resources and boost resource utilisation, and reduce costs. converged networks www.networkseuropemagazine.com 44How converged networks support IoT and building management converged networks www.networkseuropemagazine.com 45CENTIEL strengthens team as UK expansion continues CENTIEL UK has further strengthened its team as the company continues to expand in the UK. Aaron Oddy has been appointed as a new sales engineer with responsibility for generating new hardware sales enquiries, plus on-site surveys and the management of key accounts. Louis McGarry, sales and marketing director, CENTIEL UK commented: “We are delighted to welcome Aaron to our growing team. Aaron’s background in the industrial UPS sector will make him well placed to support our sales and marketing effort here at CENTIEL, as we continue to expand in the UK.” Aaron Oddy, sales engineer at CENTIEL UK confirmed: “CENTIEL occupies a unique position in the market. Its industry leading, 4th generation truly modular UPS solutions stand out for their Swiss-built quality and maximum levels of availability and the team are focused on providing trusted advice to clients to ensure critical loads are protected optimally. I’m now looking forward to providing recommendations and solutions that match the needs of clients across the UK as a key member of the CENTIEL team.” Prior to joining CENTIEL, Aaron worked for Harland Simon UPS Ltd as an industrial sector manager for four years, where he developed his skills and experience in technical sales. As a sector manager, Aaron was responsible for providing key account management and sales support to clients delivering large scale industrial projects. n Movers and Shakers miniaturised connectors. This is an ideal solution for connecting large numbers of small sensors and actuators within a Digital Ceiling ‘zone’. This kind of ‘Digital Ceiling’ approach is based on extending the data network through an entire building’s ceiling in a ‘honeycomb’ configuration. In this way, it becomes possible to connect devices to building automation via zones with pre-installed overhead connecting points (service outlets). The digital ceiling concept is one of the prerequisites for convergence. You simply plug in zone network switches, sensors, controls, WLAN access points and other distributed building services, and these are immediately powered and connected to the network. SPE can replace the traditional field bus, helping realise high density, connection speed and ease of installation. Instead of introducing connectivity for each application, uniform manufacturer-independent connectivity can be used. SPE is also an addition to existing RJ45 technology, not a replacement, and it can be applied in Digital Building environments right away. Changing architecture Converged infrastructure has a number of consequences for building layout. Ceiling ports required to provide network connectivity and power need to be installed in the most logical places, along with the required cabling. The mapping of these consolidation points should follow the functional zones into which the building is divided. There are guidelines for this type of approach, such as the EN50173-6 Distributed Building Services standard. In the longer term, digitised building automation with Internet and cloud integrated will become inextricably linked to the Internet of Things (IoT). Standardised IP networks and Power over Ethernet can be used to integrate virtually every building function as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). Convergence makes it easier to automate tasks such as saving energy and to control them via the Internet, while Intelligent building management also helps increase safety and brings added comfort for building users. n How converged networks support IoT and building management continued from previous page Share your news: editor.networks@abacus-comms.co.uk www.networkseuropemagazine.com MOVERS AND SHAKERS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 46DigiCert, provider of TLS/SSL, IoT and PKI solutions, has named Jason Sabin the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Sabin has been serving as Chief Information Officer at DigiCert since 2017 and has held a number of other executive roles at the company, including Chief Security Officer and head of research and development. “Jason’s background and passion are in engineering, and he’s proven in numerous roles at DigiCert that he’s both a great manager and a great technical leader,” said DigiCert CEO John Merrill. “Jason is the right leader to advance DigiCert’s technology vision.” Sabin has had a profound influence at DigiCert in his more than eight years at the company, including overseeing QA, product development, research and development, security and IT operations and infrastructure. Most recently, as DigiCert’s CIO, Sabin led his team toward next-generation technology across DigiCert’s platforms, infrastructure and systems. Previous to that, as CSO, he built a security team, processes, procedures and technology to protect DigiCert’s critical assets and systems. “I’m excited for the opportunity to build on DigiCert’s legacy of best-in-class engineering and customer-centric products: advancing TLS/SSL, IoT and PKI solutions for identity and security, and providing simple digital certificate management,” Sabin said. “DigiCert is in a strong position, with a commitment to modern technology and innovation. I look forward to furthering my passion for dissecting technology problems and developing solutions that make a real difference for customers.” A lifelong tinkerer, Sabin has been programming since the fifth grade. He has more than 20 years of engineering and R&D experience working in the identity and security industry, with roles prior to DigiCert at NetIQ, Novell and Volera. He is an accomplished speaker at security, IoT and technology conferences. Sabin has twice been named a Utah Genius for top inventor, with more than 50 patents issued around identity, security, access management and cloud computing. n Movers and Shakers Security and Enterprise Cloud Veteran Candace Worley Joins Ping Identity as Chief Product Officer Formerly of AWS, Worley will drive product innovation and leadership at Ping Identity. Ping Identity has announced that Candace Worley has joined the company’s leadership team as global chief product officer. Worley brings over 25 years of enterprise strategy and product development experience from some of the largest names in the technology sector. At Ping Identity, Worley will be responsible for advancing the global product vision, leading technical product innovation efforts and bringing the company’s premier identity solutions to market. Worley hails from Amazon Web Services (AWS) where she most recently led the enterprise strategists and vertical marketing teams. Additionally, she developed enterprise level messaging, marketing plans and industry insights that help customers accelerate time to value for their cloud transformation projects. Prior to joining AWS, Worley held key product management and chief technologist roles at McAfee and Intel Security. There she served as GM, Chief Technologist, and VP, driving thought leadership and advancing technical innovation in McAfee security solutions, and led a sales specialist team responsible for Security Operations Center (SOC) Solutions. “Candace has deep expertise in enterprise security strategy and an acute understanding of the innovations that businesses require to drive digital customer identity transformation, large enterprise hybrid IT models and workforce enablement in the new economy,” said Kris Nagel, Chief Operating Officer at Ping Identity. “As Ping Identity remains focused on leading the identity-defined security revolution, Candace’s product development leadership will be critical in evolving the company’s product suite and ensuring secure and trusted identity authentication is ubiquitous.” n DigiCert Names Jason Sabin as CTO Cradlepoint undergoes rapid expansion into Europe Strategic senior hires and innovative new solutions will support European customers on the pathway to 5G. Cradlepoint, global company for cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network edge solutions, has announced its rapid expansion into Europe with senior hires, investment in new teams and new product offerings. With a strong heritage in the US to build upon, a clear addressable wireless WAN market in Europe and the emergence of 5G networks, the company is ready to truly ‘go global’ in 2020, winning more customers across Northern, Central and Southern Europe. Evert Suur, previously Head of Channels for Northern Europe at Forescout, has joined Cradlepoint as Area Director for Northern Europe. He brings to the role 25+ years of experience in the IT and networking industries and will be responsible for driving forward Cradlepoint’s ‘go-to-market’ strategy in the Netherlands, Belgium and the Nordics. Lorenzo Ruggiero also joins the company, as Area Director for Southern Europe. Based in Milan, Lorenzo will lead customer satisfaction initiatives, partner relationships and revenue growth across Italy, Spain, France and Portugal. Lorenzo joins from Vodafone and previously worked at French software company, Infovista, where he was in charge of leading the enterprise market proposition. Cradlepoint’s ‘go-to-market’ strategy in Europe will be driven through third parties and partner programmes in each geography, with the company actively recruiting partners across Europe as part of its expansion plan. n MOVERS AND SHAKERS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 47 www.networkseuropemagazine.com 47NETWORKS EUROPE reaches a readership of 26,000 network infrastructure professionals throughout Europe, landing on the desks of Data Centre Managers, Facilities Managers, CIOs, CTOs, ICT Directors, Consultants, Network Managers, Integrators and many others in the Data Centre industry. NETWORKS EUROPE features editorial contribution from worldwide industry figureheads, ensuring that it's the world's best publication for information on all aspects of this constantly evolving industry. Our editorial topics going forward are: August Enclosures and Racks Converged Infrastructures The Data Centre of Tomorrow Reducing Environmental Impact October Cold Aisle Containment Pre-terminated Cable Systems Test and Measurement DCIM December Energy Management Smart Buildings Data Erasure / Recycling Wireless Networking NETWORKS EUROPE The magazine for network and data centre professionals If you would like to contribute to any of the editorial topics listed above please forward your article and any associated imagery (300dpi press ready) to the editor, Laura Vallis at editor.networks@abacus-comms.co.uk If you would like to advertise in any of the upcoming issues please contact Keith@hillviewmedia.com Next >